At a Glance

Discover why Acadia National Park is a hiker’s paradise as you explore trails that offer a variety of challenging terrain and majestic scenery. Led by Registered Maine Guides and other naturalists, this program vividly demonstrates why lovers of the outdoors are drawn to Mount Desert Island from throughout the U.S. to walk the scenic peaks and picturesque valleys of Acadia. Breathtaking views are your reward for each hike completed!

Activity Level

Varies by date

Hiking for 4-6 hours per day at a comfortable pace. Participants should be physically fit and have prior hiking experience. The June 14, 2020 and Sept 20, 2020 groups will be split based on difficulty level desired by participants. Each departure will offer both standard hikes and less strenuous options.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Learn about the geology of this area where mountains rise out of the sea and examine the fascinating flora and fauna of this protected environment.

Learn from a Maine lobster expert how the crustaceans are captured (with authentic gear and live lobsters!) after you enjoy a real Down East lobster dinner.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Linda J. Shingleton

Linda Shingleton is passionate about conveying her extensive knowledge of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park to Road Scholars. Like many of the participants who attend Road Scholar programs, she is a retired educator, having spent 30 years in that field, and her ability to relate to others is a major reasons she’s such a well-liked group leader. Linda’s eager to help immerse participants in the diverse history and lore of Acadia and to brighten Road Scholars’ days with her unfailing optimism and good cheer.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Linda J. Shingleton

View biography

Suggested Reading List

View 3 books

Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park: An Informal History

by Sargent Collier

Field Guide To Acadia National Park, Maine

by Russell Butcher

Discover Acadia National Park: AMCs Guide To The Best Hiking, Biking and Paddling

Afternoon: Check in to motel and register with Road Scholar group leader in lobby between 2:30 and 3:15 p.m. The Quality Inn is located in downtown Bar Harbor and is within short walking distance to downtown shops and attractions. We'll have our first gathering at 3:15 to get to know each other and to receive an introduction to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Following that, we'll do a Victorian walking tour, focusing on the era when Bar Harbor was the country's most exclusive and illustrious resort. Please be at the motel's cafe (across the street from the office) by 3:15 so we can start promptly.

Morning: We’ll give you a capsule look at Mount Desert Island, “the jewel of New England,” and show you the possible routes we’ll be hiking this week in Acadia National Park. Mount Desert, known for its dramatic scenery and universal appeal, is the second largest island on the east coast. We’ll also take a few minutes to get to know each other better. Then the hiking begins! Weather permitting, we’ll tackle Gorham Mountain, a moderate mountainous hike which offers spectacular views over the Cranberry Islands and the Gulf of Maine. From the summit, we’ll view a wide expanse of Mount Desert Island’s southern, surf-pounded coastline. The route up and down is a well-traveled mountain trail which is in good condition. Challenging but not overly demanding, Gorham will give us a good idea of energy levels and hiking abilities among participants.

Lunch: One of the many pleasures of our hiking week is having our picnic lunches – individually prepared sandwiches – in some spectacular settings, usually along one of the trails. We’ll stop somewhere on Gorham Mountain to relax, refuel and drink in the beauty of Acadia.

Afternoon: We'll continue our hike, noticing the unique geological features carved out by the Wisconsin Glacier thousands of years ago. We'll enjoy the views eastward towards Schoodic Peninsula, a spectacular headland that juts into the Gulf of Maine.

Evening: We’ll enjoy a scenic drive up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard. When the serpentine summit road was built in the 1930s, it was considered the best-engineered mountain road in the world. From the summit, we’ll marvel at the 360-degree views and will look west towards Blue Hill as the day comes to an end.

DAY

3

Oldfarm, Hiking in Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor, ME

B,L,D

Bar Harbor Quality Inn

Activity note: The western side of Mount Desert Island is a possible destination today, with a plethora of scenic hikes awaiting us.

Breakfast: A continental breakfast will be served at the motel.

Morning: Before hiking, we'll head to Oldfarm, the ruins of the home of George B. Dorr, who's considered the father of Acadia National Park, and we'll learn the fascinating and moving story of how the park was founded and how it came to be the only park in the entire national park system in which the land was donated rather than purchased by the government. Then we’ll head out for our hike; a possible choice will be Beech Mountain, on the western side of Mount Desert Island. Beech offers great variety, including gorgeous views over Blue Hill Bay towards the Deer Isle Peninsula. Like yesterday, this hike will consume about four hours and will move at a comfortable pace. A second possibility will be the Bubbles, twin mountains which sit on the northern shore of Jordan Pond, with the group ending the hike on the carriage roads bordering Eagle Lake.

Lunch: We'll pause at a scenic vista for an hour to enjoy the wonderful views and a picnic lunch, with a variety of sandwich options.

Afternoon: We'll continue our hike after lunch, with our group leader pointing out special scenic vistas and providing information on the flora and fauna of Mount Desert Island.

Dinner: We’ll again dine at a downtown Bar Harbor restaurant, within easy walking distance of our motel. Along the way, we can browse the many galleries and shops which line Bar Harbor’s streets, perhaps finding that perfect memento to take home as a lasting memory of Acadia.

Evening: A naturalist will lead a walking tour of one of the shoreside trails of Acadia, talking about the history, geology and lore of this unique section of Down East Maine. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture the stunning beauty of this area. We’ll walk about a mile over easy terrain overlooking the ocean.

DAY

4

Bike Ride to Somes Sound, Free Time

Bar Harbor, ME

B,L

Bar Harbor Quality Inn

Activity note: We’ll custom-fit everyone with a 21-speed mountain or hybrid bike for our alternate activity today, and our ride will cover about six miles over predominantly level paved roads.

Breakfast: A continental breakfast will be served at the motel.

Morning: We’ll give those hiking muscles a break this morning, taking a bicycling trip along Sargent Drive, which borders the shores of Somes Sound, the only fjord on the east coast of North America. You'll pedal in the shadow of the famed Norumbega Mountain, with views across the fjord to Acadia Mountain and St. Sauveur, two of the little-visited but spectacular mountains in the central part of the island. This ride will last a couple hours and will allow us to be back in Bar Harbor by noon so everyone can enjoy the afternoon off.

Lunch: We’ll return from our morning activities and picnic at Albert Meadow, with a beautiful view across Frenchman Bay.

Afternoon: The afternoon is free to explore Mount Desert Island or any of the other nearby coastal areas which catch your fancy. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction for the activities you choose.

Dinner: Dinner on your own

Evening: Free time

DAY

5

Lobster Class, Cadillac Mountain Hike, Lobster Dinner

Bar Harbor, ME

B,L,D

Bar Harbor Quality Inn

Activity note: At 1532 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the east coast of North America, and today we’ll cap our week with a spectacular hike up the South Ridge Trail. The trailhead is at a few hundred feet of elevation, so we won’t actually ascend the entire 1532 feet.

Breakfast: A continental breakfast will be served at the motel.

Morning: A lobster expert will demonstrate, using authentic gear and live lobsters, how Maine's most famous sea creatures are caught and what the future of the industry looks like. Then we’ll head out for the highlight of our hiking week, heading up the south ridge trail of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard; on many days of the year, the summit is the first place in the United States to receive the rays of the sun. The south ridge is the gentlest of the three trails up Cadillac; it’s a well-traversed path which is popular among visitors to Acadia.

Lunch: There are a number of spots along the south ridge trail that are ideal for a lunch break, and we’ll choose one of them.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our “highlight hike” this afternoon, enjoying not only the beauty of the island but the camaraderie of the newfound friends we’ve made on this Road Scholar trip. Our reward will be the satisfaction that comes from a day well spent.

Dinner: Tonight we'll enjoy an old-fashioned Down East shore feast, featuring the state’s most well-known crustacean, the cold-water lobster.

DAY

6

Short Hike in Acadia National Park, Program Concludes

Bar Harbor, ME

B,L

Breakfast: A continental breakfast will be served at the motel.

Morning: Because of limited time and an 11:00 checkout time, we’ll choose a short hike this morning. We might pick a trail similar to the ones we’ve done earlier in the week, or we might opt for something completely different. In any event, we’ll have time to enjoy one more chunk of Acadia’s variety before our adventure is completed.

Lunch: Our Road Scholar week will come to an end as we enjoy a picnic lunch at Albert Meadow; take part in a brief “graduation” ceremony; and savor our memories of a week on the magnificent Maine coast.

Meals

14 Meals

5 Breakfasts

5 Lunches

4 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The Quality Inn offers a convenient downtown location near the center of Bar Harbor. Fine restaurants, shops and waterfront activities are only a short walk away from this AAA-approved lodging facility. Also nearby is the Shore Path, a picturesque walking route that is flanked by old mansions and lawns and affords expansive views eastward across Frenchman Bay.

This was a wonderful trip! Our Group Leader and Instructor were top notch, and the hiking was invigorating. Acadia is a beautiful place, and it was so wonderful to be able to learn about the history from our amazing storyteller, Glenn.

Pam

Class of 2019

Ridgefield, CT

(5)7 months ago

This a terrific adventure! My first Road Scholar trip and it will not be my last. The entire team starting with Glenn and Linda provide incredible insight to the area and history of Bar Harbor/Acadia. It truly is a beautiful place to visit/hike/bike. This program does a very thorough job of handling all the details so you can enjoy all the activities and meals they provide. Highly recommend this trip!

Dani

Class of 2019

Burr Ridge, IL

(5)8 months ago

This was a trip of a lifetime. I am a 68-year-old female. I was worried that the trip would be too strenuous for me even though I consider myself somewhat fit. The trip indeed was challenging and just what I needed to prove to myself that at 68, I still have it. I loved that it challenged me and feel so proud of myself for my efforts

Marjorie

Class of 2019

Hoffman Estates, IL

(5)8 months ago

It was great, would highly recommend!

Kathleen

Class of 2019

Shoreview, MN

(5)8 months ago

This trip was everything I hoped it would be! The leaders and the other participants were so kind and welcoming, and the educational presentations were exceptional as were the landscapes we enjoyed each day. I am looking forward to enjoying more Road Scholar trips in the future!

Christina

Class of 2008

Great Mills, MD

(5)8 months ago

Daily spirited hikes in Acadia National Park's mountainous trails with Linda Shingleton as our leader were energizing, thrilling, with ongoing moments of grandeur. Well planned hikes every day provided opportunities for rock scrambling and times of respite for our prepared lunch sandwiches overlooking Frenchmen's Bay and the surrounding islands.You'll learn how the park was founded when Glenn Tucker leads you to George Dorr's Old Farm to pay tribute to the man whose vision was to create the park; and bike along a carriage road (an idea from earlier days and still perfect with not traffic), stopping at w Eagle Lake and the Jordan Pond House. A morning lobster talk by Glenn culminates in an evening lobster feast where you will be guests of the chef at The Stadium downtown. One more thing....blubeberries...those wonderful Maine blueberres...a heaping bowl at the breakfast buffet, blueberry pie served after dinner, and blueberry choices unending to enjoy or take home. With a farewell to new friends, you will look back on this trip with immense joy! I certainly do!

Kim

Class of 2019

Tampa, FL

(5)8 months ago

Visiting Acadia was made even more fantastic by our guides and educators. They lead, taught and encouraged our group to interact with each other, so by the end of the trip we all felt close. Hiking was stunning, food great and lodging comfortable and convenient. Highly recommend!

Dori

Class of 2019

Highland Park, IL

(5)9 months ago

I loved this trip! It was the first time I traveled alone and thought, "If I don't make a friend for a week, I'll survive!" But I made so many friends and enjoyed every aspect of this trip! It really was outstanding, and I will be doing another RS trip soon.

Colleen

Class of 2019

Albany, NY

(5)10 months ago

EXCELLENT trip!! The leaders were knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating to the groups interests and needs. LOVED It!! Will highly recommend to others.

Gary

Class of 2017

South Easton, MA

(5)10 months ago

Terrific trip! Good, hard hikes to get your heart pumping, outstanding views of wonderful scenery, excellent leaders (shout out to Bill) and - in our case - a positive, engaging and supportive group. Can't think of any way to improve on it.

Joe

Class of 2019

Centralia, MO

(5)10 months ago

Really a great experience. Wonderful, knowledgeable leaders & a great group of participants.

Stephanie

Class of 1998

Oakland, FL

(5)11 months ago

This program was well led, wonderful accommodations, beautiful hikes. I loved that the schedule of hikes was adjusted because of weather concerns, but there were no disappointments! Every hike was done, bike ride enjoyed....

Ronald

Class of 2019

Fort Mill, SC

(5)11 months ago

All the staff became quick friends.

Martha

Class of 2018

Eugene, OR

(5)11 months ago

This trip was such a fun and rewarding experience! Great leaders, and a wonderful group of people to share hikes with. The hiking was challenging, but well within my abilities. The views at the top of the mountains we hiked on were spectacular! And we received good information about Acadia National Park and its origins, as well as the business of lobstering. Comfortable accommodations and good food, too. I highly recommend this program.

Deborah

Class of 2015

Worcester, MA

(5)11 months ago

A wonderful immersion into the rugged scenery of Acadia with interesting history of humans and nature. Strenuous exercise was balanced with down time. Thoroughly enjoyable!

James

Class of 2016

Leasburg, NC

(4)11 months ago

Bar Harbor is a beautiful community and fun to be in. The trip was worthwhile because of the location. If your looking for good hiking programs, there are others that are much better.

Clarke

Class of 2019

Peabody, MA

(5)a year ago

It was cold, it rained, it was foggy...and it was still a great time. The Maine coast is unpredictable weather-wise but it never disappoints in grandeur and beauty.

Terri

Class of 2017

Powell, OH

(5)a year ago

This program was everything I expected and more. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. The hiking distances and level of difficulty were appropriately rated. In spite of the rain and cold, I had a wonderful time. Bar Harbor is really a beautiful place to visit. Our leader Bill did a fabulous job in showing us the highlights and expressing his love for the region. Thank you Bill, and many thanks to Lauren, our program director for facilitating and organizing the whole experience!

Nancy

Class of 2018

Bethesda, MD

(5)a year ago

Great way to experience the spectacular scenery of Acadia National Park. Wonderful hikes and informative lectures. Great sense of camaraderie in my group. Highly recommend.

Brenda

Class of 2016

Inglewood, CA

(5)a year ago

Well Worth the Long Trip from California! I saw Beautiful Colors in the Trees. Acadia National Park Maine did not disappoint! Awesome Adventure, Loved It!

Linda

Class of 2018

Wethersfield, CT

(5)a year ago

Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are a great experience on its own, but RoadScholar really enhances the whole adventure, especially for a first time visitor. Linda (group leader) and Glenn (group instructor) along with all the staff do a fantastic job!

Linda

Class of 2018

Oswego, IL

(5)a year ago

This was was my first Road Scholar vacation...there will be more! I enjoyed the hikes, the bike trip, the short educational segments, and the free time to explore Bar Harbor. My group was a nice mix of solo travelers like me, couples, and friends traveling together.

Kathy

Class of 2015

Chicago, IL

(5)a year ago

I thoroughly enjoyed the hiking program. Bill was a wonderful leader. He instilled confidence and comeraderie in the entire group. Beautiful scenery and exhilarating activities.

Betty

Class of 2020

Clayton, NC

(5)a year ago

Great program! The hiking was challenging and definitely got me out of my comfort zone. The leaders were outstanding and helped to make the trip so enjoyable and interesting. The whole program was so well organized and the activity level was perfect- they kept us very busy! Would highly recommend this program if you want to stay busy and seek challenging hikes . There were allot of boulders to climb over, but the hiking guides were helpful and very attentive to the group, stopping when necessary and always ensuring our safety while we enjoyed outstanding scenery.Would definitely do this program again.

Patricia

Class of 2016

Ithaca, NE

(5)a year ago

What a joyful experience in Acadia! The group leaders/instructors (Bill/Glenn) were exceptional. They were welcoming, knowledgeable, organized, enthusiastic and fun. The activity level was definitely spirited and the program was well-planned. I completed the program with a sense of accomplishment. I appreciated Road Scholar information advising this program was for experienced hikers. Thanks to Bill/Glenn and all instructors for sharing their passion and knowledge - it was an outstanding program.

Marianne

Class of 2014

New York, NY

(5)a year ago

Great trip -- the scenery is fantastic and the local guides went out of their way to accommodate all participants.

Lyda

Class of 2018

Philadelphia, PA

(5)a year ago

The Road Scholar Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park Program was terrific. I would recommend it to anyone seeking great hiking, scenery, good food, great staff and pleasant accommodations.

Klara

Walthan, MA

(5)a year ago

The program was well organized, alternating challenging and relaxing activities. Glenn provided us with useful information before the trip, then gave wonderful small lectures while there. Bill, our guide is a delightful person, understood the capability and the limits of every person and did a wonderful job to keep the group together.

Mary

Class of 2017

Canton, OH

(5)a year ago

Great program. If you have never been hiking in Maine this is the trip to take.

Cheryl

Class of 2014

Maplewood, MN

(5)a year ago

This was a great trip and a wonderful way to experience Acadia and Bar Harbor! The hikes were varied and all involved beautiful scenery; there are some challenges with hiking over rocky terrain but everyone managed it well and those hikes were definitely worth it. Glenn, Bill and Lauren are all so passionate about the area and the history of Maine and the park; so glad they shared their passion and knowledge with us!

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